Hitch Has Departed

Hitch died on Thursday. No more, "To Be". He'll be missed. Fortunately, there is a lot of footage available to view him in action... you know - like when you're in the mood for a reality check. Below is a good clip to get a feel for how he expressed what he believed:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-k1Jr0fp0dE

Imagine?

Is it just me, or what? Dolly's version of "Imagine" just doesn't have the same effect as when I listen to John sing the lyrics to his powerful song, It's too much of a stretch for me to imagine Dolly ever embracing a world with no countries, no religion and no possessions - especially the no religion part.

Lennon met his death on Dec 8, 1980, so I felt it was appropriate today to acknowledge his contribution to music and the arts. Parton has also made a significant contribution to music, as well, and some of her songs really do resonate - but for me ~ not when she tries to interpret John Lennon. You decide:

Dolly's version of ,"Imagine":

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwSkXj0PWB8

John Lennon singing, "Imagine":

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IxLnIRVVwIM&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Nice Thing About Retirement

After my college days, I rarely found the time to enjoy the many experiences I had while attending a university. Now, in my retirement years, I have the time to revisit "Hamlet", without the concern for test questions and essays regarding my thoughts. Of course, my understanding of the words are much different than they were during my youth. The words have much more meaning today. Truly, "Thus conscience does make cowards of us all".

Hamlet- Act 3 - Scene 1 - Soliloquy (two versions)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-JD6gOrARk4


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jdp6dpiK8Ko&NR=1


Hamlet:To be, or not to be, that is the question:Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to sufferThe slings and arrows of outrageous fortune,Or to take arms against a sea of troublesAnd by opposing end them. To die—to sleep,No more; and by a sleep to say we endThe heart-ache and the thousand natural shocksThat flesh is heir to: 'tis a consummationDevoutly to be wish'd. To die, to sleep;To sleep, perchance to dream—ay, there's the rub:For in that sleep of death what dreams may come,When we have shuffled off this mortal coil,Must give us pause—there's the respectThat makes calamity of so long life.For who would bear the whips and scorns of time,Th'oppressor's wrong, the proud man's contumely,The pangs of dispriz'd love, the law's delay,The insolence of office, and the spurnsThat patient merit of th'unworthy takes,When he himself might his quietus makeWith a bare bodkin? Who would fardels bear,To grunt and sweat under a weary life,But that the dread of something after death,The undiscovere'd country, from whose bournNo traveller returns, puzzles the will,And makes us rather bear those ills we haveThan fly to others that we know not of?Thus conscience does make cowards of us all,And thus the native hue of resolutionIs sicklied o'er with the pale cast of thought,And enterprises of great pitch and momentWith this regard their currents turn awryAnd lose the name of action.

Jumpin" Jack Flash

They just get better with age! Check out these videos to see what I mean -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eD5rxVHfAlo&feature=related


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULitGKV3pJ8

Flip Videos

These videos are not of the highest quality, they were made with a very inexpensive Flip camcorder, but they will suffice to introduce you to two new and very different automobiles making their debut for the 2012 model year.

Fiat 500:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sJ0gcGl1s3s




Hyundai Veloster:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HNjEg7rowkE&feature=feedu

saabkyle04 reviews the 2000 Plymouth Prowler

Kyle Lindsey does some of the best interior/exterior auto reviews to be found on the Internet. He is very knowledgeable of many types of vehicles and his You Tube channel has received over a million views. The below link will take you on an interesting tour of a Plymouth Prowler, one of the most unique vehicles ever manufactured and sold by Chrysler. Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eFWAKjFqsPY&feature=related

You Got Me Rockin

Want to get your feet moving? Check it out with Mick and the Boys -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WDTbuoCd3ho

Halloween 2011

The trick-or-treaters started ringing our doorbell around 6:30 pm. The last ones left our house at 9:30 pm. By that time we were down to our last dozen or so pieces of candy. All and all - we had a little over three hundred visitors this year.

It was great fun, as you can see from our pictures. Chili greeted a few trick-or-treaters early on, but she soon grew tired of having to run to the front door from the kitchen and instead decided to take a nap in the laundry basket. Nancy did most of the work putting together the Halloween decorations and wrapping the candy.

I had all the decorations down by ten fifteen. Afterwards we watched the DVR of Dancing With The Stars and tried to figure out who might be the next to go. The dancers danced to Halloween themed music in their creative costumes. It was a nice way to end the day. HAPPY HALLOWEEN TO ALL and DON'T EAT ALL YOUR CANDY IN ONE NIGHT!! YOU'LL HAVE A TUMMY ACHE IF YOU DO!!

Fleetwood Mac

This link will take you to a very poor quality video that has bad lighting, less than stellar audio and a few sound glitches - but forget about all that and just enjoy the pure emotion Fleetwood Mac is able to convey via Lindsey Buckingham singing, "Go Your Own Way". Pure Rock and Roll at it's best.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4SAE6yuqlYg&feature=related

Den Window

It's been in the works for some time, but the entry-way/den window is finally installed. Laine and Duane did an excellent job of building and installing this framed work-of-art. The window was originally in the form of french doors manufactured by Feather River Doors. They are part of the Diamond Collection, a series of etched glass doors that have to be ordered through Home Depot and manufactured to a specific size determined by Feather River. The opening where these doors were to be installed did not fit any of the sizes offered in the Feather River Diamond Series, wouldn't you have guessed that, so... Laine had to cut the doors to fit the opening and by doing so alter their appearance so they would look more "window-like'", than "door-like" - not a simple task. He also had to make sure that by cutting around the glass portion of the doors that he did not substantially weaken their structural rigidity. Additionally, the doors had to be stained oak on one side, to match the entry-way railing along the stairs and a dark cherry-espresso on the other side to match the furniture in the den. Duane managed that rather challenging endeavor with aplomb. He was spot-on for both sides.

The installation took about four hours and involved a sixteen foot ladder that was extended to its full length. Laine made a good choice for a partner on this project, as Duane is a retired fireman and not ad versed to climbing up a tall ladder. The install went without a hitch and the outcome looks fantastic - from both the entry-way and the den.

Check out the blog pics to see the result of their work.

Lafayette Life Leaves After A Hundred And Five Years

My cousin's company, Lafayette Life Insurance, recently made the news with an announcement by its CEO and President, Jerry Stillwell (my cousin), regarding the company's decision to leave the city of Lafayette, Indiana, after a stay lasting a hundred and five years. The company, with Jerry staying at the helm, will move to Cincinnati, Ohio by the end of June, 2011. As you might imagine, this was a significant loss for the city of Lafayette, as the company employs a hundred and fifty people.

I'm impressed with how far my cousin has climbed the corporate ladder over a nearly forty year span in insurance, but I certainly don't envy how difficult it must have been for him to tell his employees about the move to Ohio. Many of you West Enders will remember Jerry from his high school years in Louisville and from his talent as a musician in several well known Louisville bands. Continued good fortune to Jerry and his company with the move to Cincy.

You can see a clip of the announcement, carried by a local Lafayette television station, at the link below:

http://www.wlfi.com/dpp/on_the_money/company-ends-105-years-in-lafayette

Talking Heads - Live In Rome June 1980 - Take Me To The River

Talking Heads, accompanied by several performers, doing what I think is their best version of the classic song - "Take Me To The River"!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=25E0ACkA6uo

Wayward Turtle

Chili and I saw something unusual on our walk this morning - a turtle. Chili, at first, was taken aback, but she was still curious enough to take a good long look, and sniff, at this shell that was lying on the sidewalk. A young girl and her sister were also checking out the turtle and they quickly decided to take it to the lake and release it near the water's edge. We watched as they carried the turtle a block or so to the lake. Chili wanted to venture all the way up to the water, but I vetoed that plan - it was too muddy for her to be traipsing around in all that mud and gunk. I would of had to hose her down when we got back home, if she went down to the lake.

The girls said the turtle's release went fine and the turtle is now back in it's own habitat. As it turned out, the Wayward Turtle make for a rather interesting morning walk! Something different!

Belmont Time

We're only a week away from the last leg of the Triple Crown. I've made my choice for this lengthy race - it's Nehro. I'm certain he has the stamina to go the mile and a half distance. He also has great ears, and that makes for an unbeatable combination. Fast feet and great ears. Just like my Chili Dog! Remember my motto - 'BET THE FARM' (*).

* Note - occasionally stuff happens and other horses in the field will run faster than my pick. If that should happen (again), just say - "Oh Well" - a couple of times - and you should feel better in nothing flat. Oh, and sorry about any farms that you may have lost from my previous handicapping, but farming is a rather overrated profession, don't you think? Anyway, this pick is a sure thing.! However, just to be on the ultra safe side, bet Nehro to show. That's right - to show - not to win. This way, you can't lose. Remember, it's a sure thing! So, go ahead,"Bet The Farm"!

And The Winner Of The Preakness Is...

OK, let's keep it simple. No long explanation for why you'll want to bet this particular horse in the Preakness race coming up Saturday - just the facts, mam! So, go ahead and bet whatever might be left of your farm on - "Dance City". A very fast horse with great looking ears - kinda like my Chili Dog's (see photo)! Plain and simple. This one was so easy to pick!*


*caveats and disclaimers, stated in previous blog posts, do apply to any and all selections made by this expert handicapper

Remember my motto - "BET THE FARM'

Stuff Happens - Dialed In Sorta Dialed Out!

There was a slight glitch in my pick (Dialed In) to win the Kentucky Derby. My horse just couldn't run fast enough to beat the other horses. I'm sure glad I added a caveat to my blog post, prior to the running of the race. You saw it, didn't you? At least I think I made the posting of the disclaimer? As you probably know, I'm getting a little bit old, and at times forgetful. Oh well, anyway... as you may recall, I believe I did make the following statement sometime last week: "if the other horses run faster than my horse, the outcome of the race could be considerably different from my original prediction". Hopefully you paid attention to that warning, before you bet the farm on Dialed In. As mentioned in the title of today's post: Stuff Happens - Dialed In Sorta Dialed Out!

As a matter of fact, I found this year's race to be very difficult to choose a favorite, because there was no standout horse in the field. Even Uncle Mo, who was scratched one day before the race, was not a sure thing, as he had a less than stellar race just a few weeks before the Derby. As a result, this Derby provided one of the several unproven horses a chance to shine. And that is just what happened! Animal Kingdom ran a great race, but you couldn't readily ascertain the likelihood of that happening from his past performance.

Not to worry! We'll get back on track (no pun intended) - with our winning way - by picking the winner of the next leg of the Triple Crown. We'll just use the Charlie Sheen approach - WINNING!!! So... stay tuned for my next big pick and don't worry if you lost your Derby bet. We'll get it all back and more when they run the Preakness. I'm almost pretty sure of it. WINNING!

Easter Greeting

Nancy, Chili and I, along with our bunny friends, want to wish you a very happy Easter. Hope you like our video -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K5y6vXvoF-w

iPad 2 Arrives

After a three week and two day wait, not that I was counting the days, of course, the Fed Ex truck finally arrived at my doorstep. Apple estimated that it would be a three to four week time span from the time I ordered the iPad to the time of delivery, so they were actually within the range that was stated from the onset. It was kind of neat to track my order over the last three days - first from where it was manufactured in China, then on to Hong Kong, then to Memphis TN and finally on to Rancho Cordova and then to my house in Elk Grove. Fed Ex made the delivery within an hour of their estimated arrival time. So all in all, not too bad!

I had already prepared my desktop PC computer prior to the arrival of my tablet. You have to sync the iPad with iTunes and you need the latest version of iTunes (10.2.2) to make it all work. So, I updated my iTunes and backed up the iTunes folder last night. The sync went without a glitch and I was up and running in minutes. The iPad 2 is a very good tablet, even with the lack of Adobe Flash and no wide screen. It has it's faults, as do all tablets, but some of those faults can be addressed via apps and software updates. Although the built-in camera has been criticized for it's lack of resolution, I'm satisfied with the first picture I took using the camera function (see blog post of Edward Hopper's painting - Chop Suey). The lighting was poor at the location where I took the shot and there was glass covering the photo I used to take the blog picture. Yet, the camera captured a decent enough shot for posting to the web. No complaints at this point. An aside, as you may know - Edward Hopper is one of my favorite artist. I have posted Hopper pictures on this blog from time-to-time. I remember from an art appreciation class I took in college that Chop Suey, showing two women in conversation at a restaurant, may depict a Doppelganger (a German word for look-alike or double). I noticed that Wikipedia also mentions this phenomenon when describing the picture. I've never been able to find out what Hopper said in regards to the possibility.

Regarding my first impressions of tho iPad 2. Web surfing is great on the device; it formats sites accurately and it is plenty fast over Wi Fi. It is also very light-weight and exceptionally compact. I bought the basic model. It only has Wi Fi and 16GB - no 3G - the $499 model, in white. For my purpose it should do just fine. I'll post an update after I download some apps and check out the video capability. More to come...

Dick Dale

Dick Dale gets down with his rockin version of Bony Moronie. Watch Dick, who is left-handed, reach over the fretboard to play his guitar. Amazing! Check it out -


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dzfNETjxdQs&feature=related


Dick Dale's Bio:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dick_Dale

Johnny Winter

Johnny can play that guitar just like he's "ringing a bell". There are some serious licks going on in this live version of - Jumpin Jack Flash. Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h4om10ZMbKc&feature=related

Got My Derby Horse

It's a little early to be picking a Derby winner, but this year's race is somewhat different in that there are no 3/5 favorites in this group. After reviewing several of the prep races for the Derby, my choice is - Dialed In. I especially like the way he ran in the Florida Derby. Uncle Mo may still end up being the Derby favorite, even after the Wood Memorial debacle, never-the-less I definitely have some serious concerns about his ability to run a strong mile and a quarter. So... given our choices for the 2011 Kentucky Derby - bet the farm on Dialed In. That's what I'm doing! See you at the races.

Big Race In Three Weeks

I'm doing my Derby research, but I've yet to find a truly standout horse amongst the favorites. Uncle Mo, my choice until the outcome of the Wood Memorial (maybe he just had a bad hair day), should end up with pretty good odds, but it's still way too early to decide on a winner. Rest assured, once I get it all figured out, you'll want to bet the farm! I can't even begin to calculate how good I am at handicapping the Derby. It's truly amazing!!! Just ask anyone who has followed my Derby picks over the years. Each year the Kentucky Derby seems to draw more and more people to the race. The picture I posted on the blog of Churchill Downs makes me more than a little nostalgic. I attended a few Derbies, back -in-the-day. It was always a thrill! However, this one will be viewed from the vantage point of my Lazy Boy. Stay tuned, I'll provide an update soon... probably in a couple of weeks, as to which horse is destined to win the big race and maybe go on to win the Triple Crown. Oh, and... no, I don't charge for this valuable service, it's free!! Unbelievable, but it's true!!

Panasonic Repaired

In less than three months from purchase, my 42 inch Panasonic LCD flat screen needed repairs. That was surprising, especially since the TV was highly regarded in several reviews (Consumer Reports, CNET and Pricegrapper). After three weeks at Video Tech, an authorized service center for Panasonic and other brands, Laine, the electrician who did the electrical work on this project, and I remounted the TV to the wall bracket that is installed in the family room. Now the picture is excellent and I hope it stays that way for several years. The technician at the service center said I was fortunate that my set was still under warranty, as the repairs came to a total of six hundred and sixty eight dollars. He asked me if that was more than I paid for the TV and I told him it was. He said it wasn't unusual for parts to run more than the original selling price of the television. In fact, he said.. it often is no longer cost effective to repair an out-of-warranty flat screen television, because the parts are just too expensive. Although it seems many consumers are reluctant to pay the price for an extended warranty, it might save them money in the long run, particularly with some of the more repair prone brands. I'm considering adding a warranty for my Panasonic. In-store warranty prices are generally negotiable and agencies such as SquareTrade (thanks for the tip, Tim) usually undercut the typical Best Buy, Fry's and Sears offerings. Something to think about.

Grandma's House

The painting shown at the top of my blog page was painted by my uncle, Harold, at a very early point in his career as an artist. I watched him paint the house picture during one of my weekend visits to my grandmother's home in Westfield, Illinois. Uncle Harold eventually became a noted landscape artist. He painted many pictures of scenes near Westfield and Casey, Illinois. Some of his paintings hang in a gallery in Casey, Illinois. When I look at the picture he painted of my grandmother's house, I can't help but think of all the good times I had as a child while visiting her in Westfield. For me, it is a valuable memento of my youth.

Quick Pic

The latest picture of Chili, showing her taking a nap, was taken with my iPhone4. I then saved it to my computer and enhanced it using Photoshop. Next, I went to my blog page and posted it to the site. Total time from capture to posting - five minutes. Cool technology!

Snow At Low Altitude

It doesn't happen often, but it has snowed near, and occasionally in, Sacramento. Randall Benton (Sacramento Bee Photographer) caught a nice shot, in Placerville, not far from Sacramento, during last week's crazy February weather. Main Street had a nice dusting of powder that morning. Very beautiful. I posted the photo to the blog site for your viewing.

Anyone Lose A Cat??

My friend, Tim, sent me the raccoon/cat pic. Never under estimate the abilities of our furry friends.

Autorama Show

Dave, Terry and I had an enjoyable day at the Cal Expo Autorama Show. There were lots of interesting customized cars, motorcycles and bicycles on display. Sacramento's weather was perfect, especially considering it's mid-February, The sun was shining and the temperature was nice and warm.

After the show we ate burgers at the Five Guys restaurant in Elk Grove. The Five Guys have delicious burgers and fries. You can customize your burger with an assortment of delicious condiments. All and all - a fun Saturday. Check out the car pics I've posted from the show.

So... this is a Hyundai?

Opinions about the Equus:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aPK8LhU-2sk&feature=channel


Road test of the Equus:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CY0Md51pr4Y&feature=related

2011 Hyundai Equus

For $64,500 you can purchase the Ultimate version of the Hyundai Equus with all the goodies that launch it into the same class as an Audi A8, a BMW 750, a Lexus LS460, or a Mercedes S550. You won't even have to venture down to your nearest Hyundai dealership to make the purchase. Incidentally, this is probably a good thing, and a wise move by Hyundai, since your local Hyundai dealership is not likely to resemble the typical dealership for a Audi, BMW, Lexus, or Mercedes vehicle. Instead, Hyundai will send a sales representative to your home and provide a test drive right there in your own neighborhood. According to Hyundai, you may never have to visit a dealership during your entire ownership of an Equus, as all standard services are provided free of charge for five years or 60,000 miles. The Equus service technician will pick your car up at your home and leave another vehicle for you to use while yours is being serviced.

I don't know if this strategy will help sway many luxury car buyers to consider the Equus, but it does have merit as a well thought out marketing plan for the product. Oh, and to add to the perks of owning a Hyundai Equus, the new owner gets an iPad with an app loaded on it which contains the service manual and warranty information - very cool! Luxury car manufactures take note, Hyundai is definitely on to something with this plan. It will be interesting to follow sales figures for the Equus during the year, as well as it's stats from J D Power. Only then will we have a better idea of how well this innovative marketing strategy is working for Hyundai.

Mick Jagger and Jimmy Fallon

Check out this humorous SNL skit with Mick Jagger and Jimmy Fallon looking at one another through a mirror. The show first aired in December of 2001.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i9_Z0-fRB54

Keith and Mick

This song pretty much sums up how Keith Richards feels about Mick Jagger, after all those years together with the Rolling Stones (from his memoir - "Life").

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eLl7qheBDDg&feature=related

Lots Of Chrome - 1958 Buick Limited Riviera Coupe

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1r2Ctj3ynHI&feature=related

Ready For the Super Bowl

It seemed like the right time to add a flat screen TV, using a wall mount, to our family room. The Super Bowl is rapidly approaching, so I felt the need to do a TV upgrade. For many years we've had a reliable, and quite satisfactory, Sony Trinitron (tube) TV located at the back of the family room. The screen, in that location, allows for viewing from various angles in the family room that are not serviced well by the primary (a Toshiba LCD) TV at the front of the room.

After a world-wide Internet search for a LCD with all the features that I wanted, I decided on a 42 inch model manufactured by Panasonic (see blog picture). I read several favorable reviews regarding this particular set. However, there was some modifying to the back wall that was needed to install the TV properly, so I asked Laine to do the job. Laine has previously done some custom carpentry work for me. At first it seemed like a pretty straight forward and simple task (never use the term "simple" on any project involving a flat screen mount), but it got to be a little more complicated than we had anticipated. We ended up hiding twelve cables behind a custom made panel so the set can be used with a variety of other electronic and computer devices - such as a laptop, a game console and a Blu-Ray disc player. Keep in mind that none of these devices may ever actually get used much, if at all, but they are there if I need them.

I like the results of Laine's work. The flat screen and the shelf to hold the Comcast multi-room box seem to float on the wall. The Panasonic LCD picture quality is excellent and even You Tube from my laptop looks decent on the 42 inch screen.

The setup will work well for Super Bowl Sunday. The guys will now have a second flat screen to watch. It probably won't curb the bickering that goes on while they bet on the game, but the view will be sharper and the aesthetics are an improvement over the old system. It should be a fun Super Bowl to watch!

Stones - Parachute Woman

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AM-Ol-U7E5c

Interview With Keith Richards - Two Parts

Keith Richards talking about his memoir, "Life".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HjNCEhVmLxo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qqa9S69uRAg

Happy New Year!!

Big thanks to Les for arranging the annual (I forget how many years, but it's a lot) New Year's Eve gathering. As you can see from the picture, we had a good turn out. A mix of young and old - and very, very old... Dave B. joined us this year.

As usual, the meal was great and the service excellent (Peter did an outstanding job). We got to talk to Ron (back from the other side) and he appears to be making a rapid recovery.

Nancy and I watched Ryan, Jenny and Dick ring in the New Year. No Snooki - so sad! Fortunately, Chili wasn't tormented by the sounds of fireworks last night. It was actually rather quite at midnight, at least in our neck of the woods.

Time to move forward toward an exciting and bountiful 2011. Actually, I'd settle for a healthy one, wouldn't you?

To all - Happy New Year from the Davis family!!